Bechtel's Robert Croft says workers are needed now to build the accommodation village at the site near Onslow.

"So you have primarily building and civil trades, carpenters etc, at the moment; we're building beds, roads and water to accommodate the workforce," he said.

"But, very quickly we will transition into riggers, scaffolders, mechanical trades, and then ultimately electrical trades as well."

Questioned

The Australian Manufacturing Workers Union's Steve McCartney has labelled the recruitment drive a farce.

"All this about is trying to create the illusion that they're trying hard so that when they do apply for the EMA they look like they are doing their best," he said.

"What we're saying to the State Government is make them do their best, tell them they have to invest in training."

Opening Wheatstone's new recruiting headquarters in Perth, the WA Commerce Minister Simon O'Brien said, in his experience, overseas sourcing of labour is only pursued when there is no viable alternative.

"It's true that Western Australian is leading the country with only 3.5 per cent unemployment," he said.

"We want to make sure, though, that everyone that can be employed on our resource projects, does get a job."

Bechtel's Robert Croft is confident of attracting workers.

"We're quite confident that with the facilities that we're going to have on site, it's going to be a great camp - we've got competitive terms and conditions - that we will be able to attract labour locally," he said.

Mr Croft said the number of apprenticeships being offered would be well over 100 but the final figure would be released later.